Devon & Cornwall Police News site

A team of serving and retired police officers and staff completed one of Britain's toughest mountain challenges raising thousands for charities supporting colleagues and their families.

Twenty serving and retired police officers and staff from North Devon have conquered one of Britain's toughest mountain endurance challenges, scaling all 16 Welsh peaks over 3,000ft in less than 24 hours and raising almost £12,000, including Gift Aid, for charities close to their hearts.

Supported by a dedicated logistics crew, the team took on the Welsh 3000s challenge, widely regarded as one of the UK's most demanding mountain endurance events. Setting off at 3am, they covered more than 50 kilometres across the rugged mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia), tackling thousands of metres of ascent and descent over almost 24 hours.

The route included some of the UK's most iconic and challenging mountain terrain, including the exposed Crib Goch ridge and the ascent of Tryfan, where teamwork, resilience and concentration proved essential throughout the day.

After 23 hours and 20 minutes, every member of the team completed the challenge safely, despite soaring temperatures during some of the hottest days of the year. Participants consumed around 15 litres of fluid each and burned an estimated 8,500 calories as they battled relentless climbs, technical terrain and the effects of the heatwave.

The challenge was undertaken entirely in the team's own time and at their own expense. Their original fundraising target was £2,000, but thanks to the generosity of friends, family, colleagues and members of the public, donations have now reached almost £12,000 including Gift Aid.

Funds raised will support a range of charities which have made a difference to members of the team and their families, including North Devon Hospice, Police Care UK, Lupus UK, Beyond Conflict, Bowel Cancer UK, RNLI, ChemoHero, Pancreatic Cancer UK, the Matt Hampson Foundation, St Wilfrid's Hospice, the British Heart Foundation, Silence Between Sirens and Devon Air Ambulance.

Retired Superintendent Toby Davies, who organised the challenge, said: “A few days before we set off, we were preparing ourselves for a soaking. Instead, we found ourselves tackling one of the toughest mountain challenges in the country during one of the hottest days of the year.

"There were some incredibly tough moments, but every single person showed determination, resilience and a refusal to give up. What stood out most was the team spirit. There was always someone ready with encouragement, a helping hand, food, water or a joke at exactly the right moment.

"Reaching the finish together was a fantastic achievement but knowing we have raised almost £12,000 for charities that mean so much to so many of us makes it even more special.

"I'd also like to thank our support crew who worked tirelessly behind the scenes throughout the day. Their support was invaluable and played a huge part in making the challenge possible."

North and West Devon Local Policing Area Commander, Superintendent Emma Butler-Jones, said:

"I am incredibly proud of everyone who took part in and supported this challenge.

"The determination, teamwork and community spirit demonstrated throughout reflects the very best of Devon & Cornwall Police. These officers, staff and former colleagues undertook this challenge in their own time, in extremely demanding conditions, while raising a phenomenal amount of money for charities that provide vital support to people across our communities.

"Their achievement highlights the positive difference our people make, not only while carrying out their duties, but also through the commitment they show to supporting others outside of work. They should all be immensely proud of what they have accomplished."

While police officers and staff are often recognised for the work they do on duty, this challenge showcased the same determination, teamwork and commitment away from the job. The efforts of everyone involved demonstrate the very best of public service and highlight the positive contribution officers and staff make both in their communities and beyond.

Devon & Cornwall Police would like to extend its sincere thanks to everyone who donated, shared messages of support and helped the team exceed their fundraising target. The generosity shown by supporters will make a lasting difference to a number of important charities, helping them continue their work supporting individuals, families and communities across the UK.